Harper's 23rd annual DeaFest a celebration of deaf culture and pride

A Vaudeville show will highlight the 23rd annual DeaFest at Harper College, a celebration
of deaf culture and pride.

About 3,000 people are expected to attend the two-day event, which takes place Friday,
Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, on the College’s main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road
in Palatine.

DeaFest will begin with the 19th annual Deaf High School Academic Bowl from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Building J Theatre. Seven high schools will compete in the
competition, which covers art/literature, deaf studies, entertainment, math and technology,
science and social studies.

Kicking off the Nov. 7 festivities will be the DeafNation Expo from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Building M gym. The touring trade show for, by and about
deaf people features exhibitions, entertainment and seminars. UFC fighter Matt Hamill,
a deaf competitor who's been an inspiration to the deaf community, will make an appearance.

After the expo, a Vaudeville show will be held directed and produced by Tom Adamo,
voted by the deaf community in 2013 as “Best Local Entertainer” in Illinois. Previous
acts have included comedy, improv, short stories, signing songs in American Sign Language
and other acts by deaf and hard of hearing actors. The show will take place from 5
to 7 p.m. in the Building J Theatre. Tickets are $10.

DeaFest will conclude with a screening of “The Deaf Club” from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Building J Theatre. The American Sign Language comedy stars
Chicagoan Kevin Smith. Some material may not be appropriate for children under 13.
Tickets are $10.

To buy tickets for the Vaudeville show and the movie screening, visit harpercollege.edu/boxoffice. Tickets will also be sold at the expo and the door.

Started in 1973, the Kimball Hill Family Deaf Institute at Harper College serves between 40 and 60 students from Illinois and beyond. It
offers support including interpreting, video and/or classroom captioning, assistive
listening devices, tutoring and academic accommodations such as extended exam times
and note taking.

The public is welcome at all events. More information is available at harperevents.com.